ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
Plasma-based green disinfectants can limit spread of infectious diseases like COVID 19
Researchers have developed a plasma-based disinfectant generated with the help of cold atmospheric pressure plasma  which could act as a green decontaminant for COVID 19.
The COVID 19 pandemic had brought forth the urgent need for decontaminants that can limit the spread of infectious diseases through contact. However, most decontaminants consisted of chemicals which are hazardous for the environment. This encouraged researchers to work towards greener alternatives.
A team of scientists Dr. Kamatchi Sankaranarayanan, Dr. Mojibur R. Khan, and Dr. H. Bailung from the Life Sciences and Physical Sciences divisions from the Institute of the Advanced Study in Science and Technology , an autonomous research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology , Govt. of India, Guwahati, Assam has demonstrated that the plasma generated by cold atmospheric pressure  has the potential to deactivate SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which binds to human ACE2 receptor for inducing viral infection and subsequent Covid-19.
Plasma, the fourth state of matter which makes up most of the universe when produced in controlled conditions in the lab and are termed as Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma . The scientists passed plasma forming gases such as Helium, Argon, and Air through a high voltage electric field which led to the formation of a stable plasma with a mixture of ions, and electrons emitting a pink glow of CAP inside the reaction chamber.
This research recently published in the international journal of the RSC  Advances shows that short-lived highly reactive oxygen and nitrogen species  generated in the plasma led to complete deactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein occurs within 2 min of CAP treatment. The RT-PCR analysis has also established that CAP can deactivate the RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The researchers showed that the CAP, a plasma-based disinfection method is a better alternative to environmentally hazardous chemical-based decontamination methods. “The cold atmospheric plasma is environmentally safe since, during the entire decontamination process by plasma treatment, no chemical waste is produced.
The lead authors Dr. Kamatchi Sankaranarayanan and Dr. H. Bailung said that the disinfection method could further be extended for various bacterial or fungal infections.
The research was conducted at the Covid-19 testing and research facility of IASST which according to Director Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee has carried out more than 1.54 lakhs tests till date.
Publication:
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA00009A
Rakesh Ruchel Khanikar, Monalisa Kalita, Parismita Kalita, Bhaswati Kashyap, Santanu Das, Mojibur R. Khan, Heremba Bailung, Kamatchi SankaranarayananCold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma for attenuation of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein binding to ACE2 protein and the RNA deactivation
RSC Adv., 2022,12, 9466-9472
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SNC/RR
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Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with President of USA and President of Indonesia on the sidelines of G-20 Summit in Bali
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met President of USA H.E. Mr. Joseph R. Biden and President of Indonesia H.E. Mr. Joko Widodo on the margins of G-20 Leaders’ Summit in Bali today.
PM Modi affirmed that G-20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, and underlined the importance of G-20 continuing to demonstrate its capacity to bring together major economies, to overcome global challenges. G-20 is working together to restore sustainable and inclusive growth in our economies and beyond, tackle the ongoing climate, energy, and food crises, strengthen global health architecture and promote technological transformation.
PM Modi affirmed that India would give voice to other developing countries during its Presidency, and emphasized G-20’s role in assisting vulnerable countries; supporting inclusive development, strengthening economic security and global supply chains; developing improved and innovative financing models for multilateral financial institutions; providing solutions to challenges like climate change, pandemics, economic fragility, reducing poverty and achieving SDGs; and leveraging public and private financing to close the infrastructure gap.
PM Modi thanked President Widodo and President Biden for their commitment to support G-20’s work under India’s Presidency.
Ministry of Defence
Testing & evaluation facility for Sonar Systems of Indian Navy launched by DRDO
Termed as Hull Module of Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization & Evaluation facility becomes operational at NPOL, Kochi
Giving impetus to the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ and India’s ‘Make in India’ commitment, Defence Research & Development Organization  launched Hull Module of Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization & Evaluation  facility at Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory  Kochi recently. It is a state-of-the-art testing and evaluation facility for sonar systems developed for use by the Indian navy onboard various platforms, including ships, submarines and helicopters.
The SPACE facility is based on the concept design and requirements projected by NPOL and has been constructed by M/s L&T Shipbuilding, Chennai. This will be mainly utilized for evaluating Sonar systems, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.
The SPACE is one-of-a-kind facility in the world. The uniqueness of this facility lies in the specially designed submersible platform, which can be lowered up to depths of 100 meters using a series of synchronously operated winches. The design and construction of the platform meet all the statutory needs of Indian Register of Shipping and the vessel classifying authority and strictly adhere to the inspection and registration criteria as per Kerala Inland Vessel Rules.
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Ministry of Railways
Standing by Delhi Police, Railways make arrangements to provide 10000 water bottles per day to Delhi Police personnel on COVID duty
As the summer heat increases, Indian Railways with the help of its PSU IRCTC starts providing Rail Neer water bottles to Policemen stationed at Road Naakas and other places in war against COVID
Till now more than 50000 bottles have been distributed; Arrangements to continue till May 3
Indian Railways with the help of Railway organizations like IRCTC, RPF, Zonal Railways and others have worked tirelessly to keep alive the Railways’ commitment of fight against the COVID in an integrated manner.
Recently it has started to provide 10000 water bottles per day to the Delhi Police personnel who have been out on the streets on the war against COVID 19. Till now 50000 water bottles have been distributed.
Braving hot summers and trying conditions on ground, these police men have worked round the clock to not only ensure that lock down is implemented as required but also accompany the doctors and paramedics in various locations in challenging circumstances.
Supporting these frontline warriors like policemen is not only a mark of tribute to these tireless officials but is also a natural extension of on going efforts of Indian Railways to supplement the national efforts in combating COVID 19.
Under this initiative Indian Railway with the help of its PSU IRCTC has started free distribution of 10000 Rail Neer water bottles per day in New Delhi from 16.04.2020. These 10000 Railneer water bottles are of one litre each. They are picked up from Railneer plant at Nangloi. Till now more than 50000 bottles have been distributed.
It may be noted that Indian Railways is selflessly and voluntarily providing hot cooked meals to needy people after the lockdown due to COVID-19. Railways has been providing bulk cooked food with paper plates for lunch and food packets for dinner through IRCTC base kitchens, RPF resources and contribution of NGOs. Distribution of free hot cooked meals by Indian Railways during the national lockdown due to COVID-19 crossed the two million mark yesterday.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Amendments in Public Procurement  Order, 2017
The Government of India has amended the Public Procurement  Order, 2017 on 16.09.2020, enabling nodal Ministries/ Departments to notify higher minimum local content requirement for Class-I & Class-II local suppliers which was earlier fixed at 50% and 20% respectively.
As per the Order, entities of countries which do not allow Indian companies to participate in their Government procurement for any item, shall not be allowed to participate in Government procurement in India for all items related to that nodal Ministry/ Department, except for the list of items published by the Ministry/ Department permitting their participation.
Specifying foreign certifications/ unreasonable technical specifications/ brands/ models in the bid document is restrictive and discriminatory practice against local suppliers. Foreign certification, if required, shall be stipulated only with the approval of Secretary of the Department concerned.
All administrative Ministries/Departments whose procurement exceeds Rs. 1000 Crore per annum shall notify their procurement projections for the next 5 years on their respective website.
An upper threshold value of procurement beyond which foreign companies shall enter into a joint venture with an Indian company to participate in government tenders shall be notified.
Ministry of Tourism
Bharat Parv 2021 to be inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla in presence of Tourism Minister Sh Prahlad Singh Patel tomorrow
Bharat Parv 2021 will be celebrated from 26th to 31st January;Indian Culture to be showcased on a virtual platform this year
To celebrate the spirit of India, the annual event Bharat Parv is being organised on a Virtual platform www.bharatparv2021.comfrom 26thJan to 31stJan 2021 wherein themed pavilions of multiple States & UTs will showcase their tourism destinations, cuisine, handicraft and other features. This year , the virtual Bharat Parv will be inaugurated by the Speaker Lok Sabha Sh. Om Birla in presence of Union Tourism Minister Sh. Prahlad Singh Patel on 26th January 2021.
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India organizes Bharat Parv every year since 2016 in front of the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Republic Day Celebrations from 26th to 31st January. The mega event envisages generating patriotic fervour and showcases the rich and varied cultural diversity of the country. The Bharat Parv celebrates the “Essence of India”.
Various Central Ministries and other organizationssuch as Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Ayush, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Development Commissioner Handlooms, Development Commissioner Handicrafts, Lalit Kala Academy, Archaeological Survey of India, National Museum, National Gallery of Modern Arts, media units of I&B Ministry , Khadi & Village Industries Commission  etc. shall be displaying handicrafts, handlooms, music, dance, paintings , literary material and other featuresfrom all over India.
Glimpses of Republic Day Parade and recorded performances of armed forces music bands shall also be available on this virtual platform. Various Central Institutes of Hotel Management, Indian Culinary Institute will also display culinary delight from across India by showcasing videos, recipes of cuisines.
This unique virtual Bharat Parv 2021 will showcase multiple videos/ films, images, brochures and other information of various organizations. People from across the globe can enjoy this Bharat Parv extravaganza and experience true Spirit of India at their convenience on their mobile phones, laptop, computers & other devices by logging on to www.bharatparv2021.com
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India participates in the Second Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  Negotiating Round, Bali, Indonesia, 13-19 March 2023
An Inter-Ministerial delegation from India led by Department of Commerce participated in the second Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity  negotiating round in Bali, Indonesia from March 13-19, 2023.
Negotiators from 13 other countries, including, the United States, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam also participated in the Bali negotiating round.
During the Bali Round, discussions covered all the four pillars of the IPEF: Trade ; Supply Chains ; Clean Economy ; and Fair Economy  - . India participated in the discussions related to Pillars II to IV.
Building on the discussions that took place during the previous rounds: First IPEF Round held in Brisbane, Australia, in December 10-15, 2022, and the Special negotiating round held in New Delhi, India from February 8-11, 2023, in Bali, IPEF Partners undertook in-depth text-based discussions and conducted follow-up conversations as they work to advance a shared vision for an open, connected, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
During the negotiations, the Chief Negotiator of India reiterated India’s belief that IPEF will deepen the economic engagement and promote inclusive development through enhancement in trade and investment in the region. On the side-lines of the negotiating round, the Chief Negotiator and the Pillar Leads also held bilateral meetings with IPEF countries and other concerned stakeholders.
Representatives of interested Indian companies also participated in the Stakeholders engagement session and Business Forum, organized on the margins of the IPEF Bali Round on 17 and 18 March 2023 respectively. In addition, a representative from National Payments Corporation of India  also gave a detailed presentation at the Business Forum on Unified Payment Interface , a successful example of Digital Public infrastructure in India.
IPEF Partners have committed to an aggressive negotiating schedule throughout 2023 with the objective of realizing concrete benefits to enhance a shared vision for economic competitiveness and prosperity in their respective economies. Additional details about the next in-person negotiating round will be released at a later date.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Navy dispatches its Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel to support Search and Rescue of Missing Indonesian Submarine
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh holds telephonic conversation with his indonesian counterpart General Prabowo Subianto;
Extends full support to Indonesia’s efforts to rescue missing Indonesian submarine
Indian Navy dispatched its Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel  on Thursday to assist Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut  in search and rescue efforts for the Indonesian Submarine KRINanggala which was reported missing on Wednesday 21 Apr 21.
On 21 April, an alert was received by Indian Navy through International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office , regarding the missing Indonesian submarine. The submarine was reportedly exercising in a location 25 miles North of Bali with a crew of 53 personnel.
Telephonic Conversation of Raksha Mantri with his Indonesian counterpart
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh had a telephonic conversation with the Indonesian Defence Minister Gen Prabowo Subianto, today.
Raksha Mantri said, “I am extremely pained to hear about the missing Indonesian Submarine Nanggala with 53 crew on board. As a well wisher and a Defence Minister myself I can feel the pain and anguish. At this point I would like to extend the full support of the Indian Armed Forces to the Indonesian Rescue effort.”
“I have already directed the Indian Navy to move its Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel  to Indonesia. I have also tasked the Indian Air Force to see the feasibility of induction of the DSRV intervention system by air”.
“India is committed to assist our strategic partners during times of necessity. Please accept my concern and best wishes to a successful rescue.”
General Subianto has acknowledged and appreciated India’s support to Indonesia.
Submarine rescue is required to be undertaken when a submarine is reported to be missing or sunk and specialised equipment is required for underwater search to locate the disabled submarine and rescue the personnel who are trapped inside the submarine.
India is amongst the few countries in the world capable of undertaking Search and Rescue of a disabled submarine through a DSRV. Indian Navy’s DSRV system can locate a submarine upto 1000 meter depth utilising its state of the art Side Scan Sonar  and Remotely Operated Vehicle . After the submarine is successfully located, another sub module of DSRV- the Submarine Rescue Vehicle  - mates with the submarine to rescue the trapped personnel. The SRV can also be used to provide emergency supplies to the submarine.
Under the framework of comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Indonesia, Indian Navy and Indonesian Navy share a strong partnership of operational cooperation. The two navies have been exercising regularly in the past and have developed synergy and interoperability which is considered important for the present mission.
Ministry of Mines
Demand For Critical Minerals to Increase
As per available information, the reserves/resources of minerals are dynamic in nature. Mineral assessment/discoveries is a continuous process and a number of exploration agencies like GSI, MECL, AMDER, State DGM, State/Central Undertakings and private sector companies are engaged in exploration of mineral deposits in the country. As per National Mineral Inventory , total resources of Copper ore in the country as on 01.04.2020 is estimated about 1661 million tonnes  which increased from the level about 1511 million tonnes  as on 01.04.2015.
Demand for critical minerals in India is expected to grow due to increased thrust of Govt. of India towards "make in India" and "Smart City" programme, Atmanirbhar Bharat, 100 GW target for Renewable Energy, PLI schemes for Consumer electronics industry, accelerated growth for electric vehicles etc. and which will drive the demand of critical minerals in the country. Critical minerals are essential to Electric Vehicles technology and its supporting infrastructure, and the increase in the electric vehicles in the market will have a substantial impact on critical minerals demand.
HCL is the only copper miner in India. For the growth of copper mining in India, HCL has executing mine expansion plan to enhance copper ore production from 4 million tonne to 12 million tonne per annum by F.Y 2028-2029. To access latest technology on competitive terms in Copper mining, HCL is adopting State of the art technologies like geophysical exploration method, drone survey, paste fill technology in its underground mines etc.
This information was given by the Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
Officer trainees of Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Indian Trade Service and Indian Information Service call on the President
Separate groups of officer trainees of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Indian Trade Service and Indian Information Service together called on the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, today  at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Addressing the officer trainees, the President said that the Audit and Accounts Service officers have a critical role in ensuring the accountability of the executive to the legislature. The reports of the CAG, submitted to the legislature, play a pivotal part in enforcing accountability on the executive. Officers of the Audit and Accounts Service are guardians of public trust and financial prudence.
The President said that in today’s globalised world, the strength of a nation is assessed by the strength of its economy. Nations compete for a share of global markets and trade. While we have done quite well in promoting our trade in the past two decades, there is a lot more to be achieved. Historically, India had a substantial share in global trade. Today, our country’s share in global trade is around two per cent. The officers of the Trade Service too have an important role in ensuring that our country regains its position in the global trade order.
The President said that despite the Information Age, there is still a large segment of our population that lacks awareness about government programmes and welfare schemes from which they can benefit. We must ensure that information about these programmes and schemes reaches citizens living in the remotest of places and the smallest of villages. It is here that officers of the Indian Information Service play an important role. It is for Indian Information Service officers to make the government’s outreach and communication relevant, timely, practical and effective.
Text of President's Speech
Ministry of Finance
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to launch the MSME Support and Outreach Programme; MSME Outreach Programme to run for 100 days covering 100 Districts throughout the country
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will launch the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  Support and Outreach Programme tomorrow, Friday, 2nd November, 2018 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi in the august presence of the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley and the Union Minister of State  for MSME, Shri Giriraj Singh among other dignitaries.
Various announcements and deliverables focused on access to credit, access to market, hand holding and facilitation support measures etc. for MSME Sector are likely to be announced on this occasion.
MSME Outreach Programme will run for 100 days covering 100 Districts throughout the country. Various Central Ministers are likely to visit these districts in order to apprise the entrepreneurs about various facilities being extended to MSME Sector by the Government and financial institutions and to come forward and make best use of these facilities including access to credit and market, etc.
In short, it is expected that this Outreach Programme will help in further boosting the MSME sector since this sector is one of the major generator of employment opportunities and making a significant contribution to the overall growth of the economy.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Cargo Air Flights will be used exclusively for transporting medical equipment and emergency goods to North Eastern States- Dr. Jitendra Singh
Union Minister for DoNER Dr Jitendra Singh has disclosed that Cargo Air Flights will be used exclusively for transporting medical equipment and emergency goods, besides other essential items. to North Eastern States, in the wake of Lockdown situation.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation for approved the initiative taken by the airports of the region. This will go a long way in reassuring the people of the North Eastern Region that even at this hour of trial, they are receiving as much attention as any other part of the country.
It has been intimated that the contact details and road map for the Cargo operation will be provided soon. The Directors of the airports of the region have been asked to inform about their requirements through Twitter.
Dr Jitendra Singh noted that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has always placed the welfare of the North Eastern Region highest on the priority. It was primarily because of his personal outreach that Northeast has undergone revolutionary transformation over the last six years. And, the decision to operate Cargo flights for Northeast is only a reiteration of the fact that the concern for Northeast is close to the Prime Minister Sh Modi’s heart even at this crucial time.
Pertinent to mention that only three days back, the Ministry of DoNER and North Eastern Council allocated Rs. 25 crore additional fund, over and above the already allocated funds by the DoNER, the NEC as well other Ministries of Government of India. This additional amount is specifically meant to assist in Corona related activities and gap-funding, he added.